An interesting find on the interwebs--a statistical analysis of SAT scores and books. Of course it was using Facebook, which tends to already have well-educated users by default. You know, 'cause you used to have to have been in college to join? A bit self-selecting, but whatev.
Anyhow, University of Missouri-Columbia is school #235 in average SAT score and we like to read Cat's Cradle, Life of Pi, and Pride and Prejudice (woo!).
GWU, my graduate school, is #86 in average SAT score (and notice that's it's private, not public...bleck) and we apparently like to read a bit higher level books than good ole' Mizzou. You know, like Ayn Rand and Freakanomics.
What I find most interesting is that books strong in the African-American tradition (Color Purple and Their Eyes Were Watching God) are popular at schools with lower average SAT scores. I wonder what's behind this? Racism in admissions at "prestigious" schools, problems with standardized tests, socioeconomic pressures with affording college in certain ethnic groups in the US, or lack of inclusion of African-American lit in certain colleges...Who knows? Could mean nothing, but it's interesting. Also, why two entries for the Bible (The Bible and The Holy Bible)... wonder what the inclusion of the "holy" has to do with the populations at those schools?
Not the most scientific data, but kinda cool to look at. Oh, but it is soooooo cliche the top books for top schools-- Lolita, Atlas Shrugged, One Hundred Years of Solitude. Totally reads like a list of books you put down so people on the internets will think you're smart. Admit you like Harry Potter! Admit it!
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Really? Go Ask Alice? Who lists that as their favorite book? Also, I would not have guessed Freakonomics was that much of a "smart people book." And again, that's people's _favorite_ book? There are so many good books in the world, and you chose Freakonomics?
These Facebook stats are really interesting - I hadn't taken a look at them before. Sadly, the federal agency networks are private. It would have been cool to pit the Department of Justice against the Department of Homeland Security. Which department is more into Scarface? Which department listens to more hardcore music?
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